
A C-chart is a type of control chart used to monitor the number of nonconforming units in a sample. It's a simple yet powerful tool for detecting changes in process performance.
The C-chart is particularly useful for monitoring processes with a low defect rate, such as in the electronics industry. This is because it can detect small changes in the number of nonconforming units.
To create a C-chart, you need to collect data on the number of nonconforming units in a sample over time. This data is then plotted on a chart with the number of nonconforming units on the y-axis and the sample number on the x-axis.
The center line of a C-chart is typically set at the average number of nonconforming units in the sample. This is calculated by taking the mean of the data collected.
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What is a C-Chart?
A c Chart is a type of control chart for defects, specifically designed to monitor the number of defects in constant size units. It's used to track the total number of defects in each unit.

The c Chart assumes the underlying data approximate the Poisson distribution. This means it's suitable for processes where defects can occur randomly and independently.
The c Chart plots the number of defects on the y-axis and the number of units on the x-axis. This visual representation helps identify trends and patterns in defect occurrence.
The centerline of the c Chart (c̅) is the total number of defects divided by the number of samples. This gives you a baseline to compare future defect counts to.
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When to Use a C-Chart
A c-chart is especially useful when there are high opportunities for defects in the subgroup, but the actual number of defects is less.
The c-chart requires that each subgroup’s sample size be the same and compute control limits based on the Poisson distribution.
You would use a c-chart to determine if the process is stable and predictable and also to monitor the effects of before and after process improvements.

A point outside the control limits alerts you that the process needs attention, so it's essential to investigate the cause and decide what to do about other parts from the same batch.
In a production setting, a c-chart can be used to track the number of defects in a product of constant size, such as plastic parts with a rough spot defect.
The c-chart is one of the four types of control charts for attribute data, along with p chart, np chart, and u chart.
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C-Chart Formulas and Calculations
The c-chart is a powerful tool for monitoring count-type data, and understanding its formulas and calculations is essential for effective use. The c-chart formula is straightforward: c = number of defects, and k = number of samples.
To calculate the control limits, you'll need to use the following formulas. The lower control limit is simply 0, since we can't have a negative number of defects. The upper control limit, on the other hand, can be calculated using the MAX function in Excel, which ensures it doesn't exceed the maximum possible value.

The control limits for a c-chart are typically three standard deviations to either side of the center line. The center line is calculated by taking the average of the number of defects per sample. The formula for the control limits is: c¯ ¯ ± ± 3c¯ ¯ {\displaystyle {\bar {c}}\pm 3{\sqrt {\bar {c}}}}.
Here's a summary of the formulas you'll need to calculate the control limits for a c-chart:
Creating and Updating a C-Chart
Creating a c-chart is relatively straightforward, and it starts with determining the subgroup size, which must be large enough for the chart to ensure accurate control limits.
To create a c-chart, you'll need to count the number of defects in each sample and compute the centreline (c̅) by dividing the total number of defects by the number of samples.
You can also use software like SPC for Excel to create a c-chart, where you select the data, choose the "Attribute" option, and then select "c Chart". The software will set the initial subgroup identifiers and c values ranges based on the selected range.

To update the c-chart with new data, you can add the new data to the spreadsheet and let the software find and update the chart automatically, or you can select the option to stop the average and control limits from updating when new data are added.
Here's a summary of the steps to create a c-chart using SPC for Excel:
Creating a New
Creating a New c Chart is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps.
To start, select the data on the worksheet to be included in the analysis using the "Select Cells" option in the "Utilities" panel of the SPC for Excel ribbon. This will quickly select the cells for you.
Next, select "Attribute" from the "Control Charts" panel on the SPC for Excel ribbon. Then, select "c Chart" and click "OK". The input screen for the c chart will be displayed, allowing you to edit the ranges if needed.
The program will set the initial subgroup identifiers and c values ranges based on the range you selected on the worksheet, so it's a good idea to select the sample and data ranges prior to making the chart. You can also enter a name for the chart, which must be unique and limited to 25 characters.
Here are the options you'll need to specify when creating a new c chart:
- Subgroup Identifiers: the worksheet range containing the subgroup identifiers
- c values: the worksheet range containing the number of defects
- Name of Chart: the unique name for the chart
- Subgroup Identifiers: this information is used to search for new data when updating the chart
You can choose whether the subgroup identifiers are in one column or one row, and select whether the average and control limits are updated automatically when new data are added.
Update with new data
Updating a C-Chart with new data is a straightforward process. The software can easily find the new data and update the chart.
You can add new data to your spreadsheet and the c chart will be updated automatically. This makes it easy to keep your control chart up to date.
The software will find the new data and update the chart based on the information in the spreadsheet. This ensures that your c chart always reflects the latest data.
Updating a c chart is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps.
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C-Chart Examples and Comparisons

A C-chart is a type of control chart used to monitor the number of defects in a sample of products. It's commonly used in Six Sigma projects to identify if a process is in control or not.
In a C-chart, the center line (c̅) represents the average number of defects per lot, which is calculated by dividing the total number of defects by the total number of lots. For example, if the total number of defects is 326 and the total number of lots is 20, the center line would be 16.3.
The upper control limit (UCL) and lower control limit (LCL) are calculated to determine if the process is in control. If any of the points in the chart are outside of the ± 3σ limit, the process is considered out of control. In the example provided, sample 9 is outside of the control limit, indicating that the process is out of control.
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Here's a quick reference to the key components of a C-chart:
- Center line (c̅): Average number of defects per lot
- Upper control limit (UCL): The maximum number of defects allowed before the process is considered out of control
- Lower control limit (LCL): The minimum number of defects allowed before the process is considered out of control
Six Sigma Example
In a Six Sigma project, a c Chart is used to monitor the number of defects in a process. The chart is particularly useful when the sample size is constant.
The mobile charger supplier example illustrates the use of a c Chart in quality control. The supplier randomly selects a sample of 500 chargers every day for testing.
To compute the average number of defects per lot, you divide the total number of defects by the total number of lots. In this case, the average number of defects per lot is 16.3.
The upper control limit (UCL) and lower control limit (LCL) are calculated using the average number of defects per lot. The UCL is 3σ above the average, while the LCL is 3σ below the average.
The chart is plotted with the number of defects on the y-axis and the lots on the x-axis. The center line represents the average number of defects per lot, while the UCL and LCL are plotted as horizontal lines.
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If any of the points in the chart fall outside of the ± 3σ limit, the process is considered out of control. In the mobile charger supplier example, sample 9 falls outside of the control limit, indicating that the process is out of control.
Here's a summary of the key steps in creating a c Chart:
The c Chart is a powerful tool for monitoring defects in a process. By following these steps, you can create a c Chart and identify if your process is in control or out of control.
Comparing, and Charts
The c-chart is a powerful tool for monitoring count-type data, but it's not the only option. In fact, there are several types of control charts that can be used to assess attribute data, including the p-chart and the u-chart.
The main difference between these charts is how they summarize the data. P-charts are used for attribute data that can be summarized with a proportion, such as a proportion defective of 0.003. C-charts, on the other hand, are used for attribute data that can be summarized with a rate, such as an average of 0.02 bubbles per panel.
Here's a quick summary of the key differences between p-charts and c-charts:
In general, c-charts are a good choice when you need to track the number of nonconformities per unit, such as the number of voids per inspection unit in injection molding or casting processes. However, if you need to track the number of opportunities or potential locations for nonconformities, a p-chart may be a better option.
It's also worth noting that c-charts are typically used when all of the samples contain the same number of units, in which case the u-chart and c-chart are interchangeable. But if you're not sure which chart to use, it's always a good idea to consult with a quality control expert or do some additional research to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
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Using and Building a C-Chart
A C-chart is a type of control chart used to monitor the number of defects in a process.
The process of using a C-chart is straightforward: you plot the number of defects in each subgroup on the chart, connect the points with straight lines, and then calculate the process average and control limits.
To use a C-chart, you need to select a subgroup size that is constant from subgroup to subgroup, and the opportunity for defects to occur must be large while the number of defects that actually occur is small.
The control limits on a C-chart are crucial for determining whether a process is in-control or not. A point outside the control limits alerts you that the process needs attention.
If a high average number of defects in a sample is detected, you would investigate the cause and decide what to do about other parts from the same batch.
To construct a C-chart, you need to gather the data by selecting the subgroup size, frequency, and number of subgroups. You also need to count the number of defects in each subgroup and ensure that operational definitions of a defect are complete.
The process average is calculated by dividing the total number of defects by the number of subgroups. This average is then plotted on the control chart as a solid line.
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The control limits are calculated using the upper control limit (UCLc) and lower control limit (LCLc) formulas, which are given in the equations to the right.
A process is out of statistical control if any of the following conditions are present: points beyond the control limits, seven points in a row trending up or trending down, or seven points in a row above or below the average.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between P charts and C-charts?
P-charts track the proportion of defective items, while C-charts count the number of defects in samples of a fixed size. This difference in focus affects how each chart is used and interpreted in quality control processes.
How to interpret a c-chart?
A c-chart plots the number of defects per subgroup to determine if the number of defects is stable and in control, helping you identify trends and patterns in your data. To interpret a c-chart, first check if the number of defects is stable, then identify which points failed each test.
Why is the c-chart used?
The c-chart is used to determine if a process is stable and predictable, and to monitor the effectiveness of process improvements. It helps you understand and control your process.
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